Wellington Zoo’s newest baby chimp needs a name - and you can help choose it

Wellington Zoo Te Nukuao has welcomed its newest member of the chimp family - but she needs a name!

Born on April 3, her arrival just so happened to be the first-ever Jane Goodall Day. The famed primatologist died at the age of 91 in October last year, and the day now honours the birthday of the legendary ethologist, conservationist, and humanitarian.

The Zoo said at the time it was “the perfect timing for this little chimplet to enter the world”.

Her arrival also came in the same month the zoo celebrated its 120th birthday.

Nic Dunn, Wellington Zoo’s Director of Wildlife Conservation, told Stuff that first-time mum Malika has taken to motherhood “very naturally”, and despite being born early, the baby is living a healthy life.

“She is getting bigger and stronger each day and thriving with her family,” he said.

Now, the little one is ready for a name of her own - and the Zoo is calling on you to help choose it.

“Names are an important way of showing where the animals at Te Nukuao whakapapa from,” the zoo wrote in a Facebook post sharing images of the baby chimp.

Working alongside conservation partner Fauna & Flora Liberia Programme, the Zoo has narrowed it down to four names, each with its own meaning and connection to chimpanzee conservation.

The options include:

• Kasinda (which means "one who protects or blessing", from the Bantu language family)

• Sapo (refers to Sapo National Park which is a sanctioned protected area where our conservation partner, Fauna & Flora Liberia Programme, works to protect Chimpanzees)

• Kasana (which means: "very gentle sunshine", from Central Uganda)

• Goyala (the name of a settlement where our conservation partner, Fauna & Flora Liberia Programme, works with communities to promote Chimpanzee conservation)

Kiwis can have their say via Wellington Zoo’s Facebook page, with voting open until Friday, June 19.

“The baby chimp’s name is a valuable opportunity to not only name her something that fits her character as an animal with a unique personality and complex social structures, but to also represent the origins of where chimpanzees call home,” Dunn told Stuff.

Which one is getting your vote?!